There’s one less place to get vapes and other paraphernalia — plus, according to police reports. joints, canisters of THC flower, cannabis resin and edibles — in town today.
The Savvy Smoker — a scourge of neighbors, and an unwelcome neighbor of fashion designer Christian Soriano, who opened a store in the same Post Road East mini-plaza, back when Subway occupied the space — has closed.
All signage has been removed. (Hat tip: Christian Hunter)
Scores of Westporters took advantage of nice weather — and a special invitation — to tour Prospect Gardens yesterday.
The magnificent 9-acre arboretum-style Greens Farms space is open to the public only twice a year.
Main garden designers Cindy Shumate and Judy Gardner were there all day, telling stories and answering questions.
Greens Farms Garden Club members explained how they plant, tend and harvest the 3-tiered vegetable garden. Last season, their harvest of over 1000 pounds was donated to local organizations that feed families in need.
The next public event is set for September.
One view of Prospect Gardens …
… and another. (Photos/Candice Cardenas)
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We’ve got a new header photo for “06880.” William Weiss took this great image of Ned Dimes Marina:
Kerri Kenney-Silver is an actress, comedian, writer, singer, and musician. As Trudy on “Reno 911!” she was nominated for 4 Emmys. She was the only female cast member on MTV’s “The State,” she’s been on “Superstore,” “2 Broke Girls,” “Love” and “The Ellen Show,” and she fronted the all-female rock band Cake Like.
Kerri is also a 1988 Staples High School graduate.
On Friday, the Wall Street Journal profiled her. She notes the first time she felt noticed — in 4th grade, when she teased a substitute teacher — as well as feeling “miserable and inadequate” in middle school.
Staples was different. She discovered Players — the theater company. “I knew immediately I fit in,” she says.
Looking both ways — and keeping their young ones together — these Canada geese parents look just like Westport moms and dads, out with their kids at Compo Beach.
Well, not “just like.” Those outfits are sadly lacking in aura.
And finally … following up on the news about Savvy Smoker (story above):
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A recent announcement by the town of work on the Cross Highway bridge over that small stream — which they called “Dead Man’s Brook” — got Robert Mitchell wondering.
He’d known it as “Deadman.” As “06880” has noted previously, it’s named for a long-ago family with that unfortunate surname — not, as one would assume, for one unfortunate deceased individual.
Mitchell wrote town engineer Keith Wilberg. He promptly (and fully) replied: “FEMA publications use Dead Man’s Brook. As I spend a lot of my time in the FEMA regulation world, I tend to use FEMA’s nomenclature.
“However, the US Geological Survey also has a naming convention, based on the Geographic Naming Information Service. They use Deadman Brook.
“I’m not sure if one outranks the other. But again, as I spend a whole lot of my time, as does Planning & Zoning, in FEMA world, I tend to use their naming.”
But that’s not all. Wilberg added: “Thus I use Sasco Creek, and the state Department of Transporation uses Sasco Brook. Same water body; we’re just debating about what to call it.”
Then — on a roll — he said, “Our office has considered seeing if there is interest in changing the name of Pussy Willow Brook back to Compo Creek, which show up on very old maps and in some old texts. Not sure why or when it was changed, but I think the name Compo Creek would be more appropriate, and I am surprised there is not a creek so named.”
Deadman Brook runs from the north end of Westport, through downtown. At the Levitt Pavilion, it empties into the Saugatuck River. The Imperial Avenue footbridge crosses it . (Photo/John Maloney)
Things are blooming at Blau House & Gardens. The mid-century modern home on Bayberry Lane — designed by noted theater and set designer Ralph Alswang — was just added to the Connecticut State Register of Historic Places.
Next weekend, the space sponsors s readings of “Garden of Earthly Delights,” by Connecticut playwright Steven Otfinoski. Inspired by the legendary Naumkeag estate, these performances capture the shared spirit of ambition, artistry and preservation defining both historic properties.
The first — June 6, at Blau House & Gardens — includes an outdoor staged reading, talkback, reception, guided tour, and shuttle to and from Coleytown Elementary School.
The next day (June 7), there’s a more formal reading, with music and visuals, at the Westport Country Playhouse’s Lucille Lortel White Barn.
Josh Malerman brought his “From Bird Box to the Stage: A Live Horror Experience” to the Westport Library.
The immersive horror performance based on his new novel, “Incidents Around the House” combined a radio play, concert and stage production.
Josh Malerman and friends, on the Westport Library stage. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
And — nearly 40 years after winning a wiffleball contest, with the prize of an hour of air time on Staples radio station WWPT — G & and the Bones reunited last night.
With Staples Class of 1988 musicians Peter Doolittle, Jem Sollinger and Will O’Toole reuniting from as near as Weston and as far as Idaho, the band rocked Little Pub @ Dunville’s. The crowd included old friends, and others who had no idea of the back story.
The “Billy Bash” was a tribute to the friends’ “band manager” Bill Westcott, who died in 2024.
Guitarist Peter Doolittle (left) and singer Jem Sollinger (right), at Little Pub. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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There’s just a week left to see “Art, Jazz + The Blues.” MoCA\CT’s colorful, tuneful show ends June 7.
Just a couple of weeks later, the next exhibit opens. “Looking for History: Rich Shaefer, Ellen Harvey and Michael Borders” is a series of solo presentations that examine how histories — personal, local and national — are pictured, preserved, and contested.
As the US marks our 250th anniversary in 2026, the exhibitions invite visitors into conversations about the narratives and forces that have shaped our nation.
Shaefer’s “Colossi” anchors the full season. Harvey’s “The Disappointed Tourist” is featured June 25 to August 2, followed by Borders’ “Connecticut Industry” (August 13 through November 15).
MoCA’s executive director Robin Jaffee Frank says, “By bringing these artists together, we invite visitors to consider the distance between our founding ideals and our current reality — and how the choices we make today will shape the future of our democracy. MoCA\CT offers a contemplative space where we can safely engage with historical memory, the topics of our time, and one another.”
First we reported on Ryan Smith’s victory in the Vermont City Marathon — his first 26.2-mile race ever.
Yesterday, we followed up with a fan’s Instagram post about it. (Spoiler alert: Ryan’s time qualifies him for the US Olympic team marathon trials.)
Now here’s the story from Ryan himself. He posted it on Substack. It’s a great piece, and you don’t have to be a track geek to love it. Click here to read.
Viva Zapata has been the site of many events, during its 50-plus years in Westport.
Parties, reunions, wedding receptions, post-funeral gatherings … the Mexican restaurant has seen it all.
Except a book launch.
That changes this Thursday (June 4). At 5 p.m., Westport author Annalise Osborne celebrates her new book, “Hold On For Dear Life,” at everyone’s favorite Riverside Avenue spot. The official publication date is tomorrow.
The novel is about idealism, hubris and resilience — and the long, difficult work of finding your way back to why you started.
“In the summer of 2017, Charlie, Jack, and Nik leave MIT believing they can change how the world moves money. Within months, they are exactly the kind of company that gets written about. Within two years, they are nearly destroyed by it.”
Dr. Dale Atkins’ books like “Dear Deer” and “The Turquoise Butterfly” help young readers and their families navigate big emotions, build resilience, and connect more deeply with the world.
Next Sunday (June 7, 2 p.m.), the “Today Show” expert and psychologist comes to the Westport Library, for a conversation with trustee Liza Van Gundy on Atkins’ children’s books,
They’ll explore how storytelling can support children and families through challenges, from managing anxiety and embracing change to fostering empathy and strengthening intergenerational bonds.
The “Career Coach” will be in the Westport Library parking lot on Thursday, June 18 (April 9), for a session on “Intro to Excel” — the popular business spreadsheet.
There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long. Registrants can choose one.
The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment. Click here to reserve a spot.
Yesterday’s gusty winds brought down a North Avenue tree, on the sharp curve between Northridge Road and Charcoal Hill Road.
(Photo courtesy of Town of Westport)
Johanna Shields reports that it took more than 6 hours — from early afternoon until 7:20 p.m. — for an Eversource truck to arrive.
They then had to wait for the rest of the crew, before replacing the pole and rehanging the wires.
It was a long afternoon and night, for customers on North Avenue and side streets.
Eversource crew member Sylvester waits for his colleagues to arrive. (Photo/Johanna Shields)
Meanwhile, the second straight unseasonably cool weekend saw the Compo Beach entrance crew decked out in warm jackets. No t-shirts or shorts yesterday.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
Today will be cloudy, with temperatures in the low 70s. That’s the start of the week too. By Wednesday though, we’ll see highs in the mid to upper 80s.
Former Staples High School soccer star Eloy Rodriguez died May 20. He was 68.
A native of Lima, Peru, he came to the US when he was 6. He quickly made himself at home, with his winning personality.
He earned a master’s degree in finance from Southern Connecticut State University. Eloy worked in management for beverage companies, including Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Snapple.
He loved his family, friends, soccer, New York sports teams and a good story.
Eloy is survived by his sister Rocio Casey, brother Poncho, and nieces and nephews Ryann, Susanna, Holly, Jack and Emma.
An afternoon of remembrance and reminiscence is set for VFW Post 399 on June 27 (1 to 5 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Dianna Broady offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, and says, “I thought that some Westporters would appreciate seeing a bird that a lot of people don’t think of as beautiful. This big tom struts for his ladies in our yard, and sometimes roosts in the big maple over the pond.”
And finally … speaking of Dead Man’s/Deadman Brook (story above):
(From Main Street to Doheny, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. If you enjoy our daily Roundups — or feature stories, photos, music and more — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Do you boat, sail, paddle, row or cruise along the Saugatuck River?
If so, Connecticut’s Department of Transportation wants to hear from you.
They’ve posted a survey, as part of the Saugatuck River Waterway Study. The goal is to support planning efforts for infrastructure improvements, including the Saugatuck River railroad bridge.
Questions relate to a variety of river users, and planned activities within the next 20 years. It takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Click here for the survey.
Questions? Contact Erica Blonde: 857-208-8985, or eblonde@hntb.com.
Saugatuck River railroad bridge. (Photo/Doug Steinberg)
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Molly Alger writes: “When you read about the streets in town being repaired, you have an image of the old surface being torn up and a new surface put down over it.
‘On some streets the work is considerably more extensive — and grueling and challenging for town crews. Whitney Street is being widened, and the sidewalk widened and replaced (much needed). I am astonished to walk by the work every day.
“Huge boulders are being removed, broken up, and/or installed as walls along the road. Truly amazing efforts are being expended on this project.
“The men are rightly proud of their efforts and this project. They are upbeat, polite and attentive every day — and beyond any definition of ‘hard-working.’
“As a Whitney Street resident, ‘thank you’ is grossly insufficient acknowledgment of this grueling work.”
Working hard, on Whitney Street. (Photos/Molly Alger)
Based on the photo below, I called it “Flora Aesthetics & Spa.” I noted that I could find nothing about it online, beyond a similarly named “Flora Aesthetics & Wellness” in Ventura, California.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Reader Aini Rockwell pointed out that the business is actually “Elora,” not “Flora.”
Bingo!
Unfortunately, a quick Google search for that name was equally fruitless. This time I found 2 “Elora” aesthetics businesses.
One is in Cyprus. The other is in Qatar.
If anyone knows anything about this new Westport venture, click “Comments” below.
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Prospect Gardens — the spectacular 9-acre arboretum-style Greens Farms space featuring flowers, plants — is open to public twice a year. The next date is tomorrow (Sunday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The event is a partnership with the National Garden Conservancy.
Main garden designers Cindy Shumate and Judy Gardner will there all day, telling stories and answering questions.
Greens Farms Garden Club members will explain how they plant, tend and harvest the 3-tiered vegetable garden. Last season, their harvest of over 1000 pounds was donated to local organizations that feed families in need.
The Staples high School Jazz Ensemble plays at 10:30 a.m. They’ll be fresh off an appearance last night, at New York’s Birdland Club.
The Y’s Men and guests got a sneak preview yesterday.
Y’s Men and guests, at Prospect Gardens. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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Speaking of gardens: Volunteers from 2 clubs — Westport and Greens Farms — lent their green thumbs yesterday to Susie’s House.
The gardeners ensured that everything looks stunning for today’s AWARE event, a fundraiser for Homes with Hope’s Compo Road North supportive housing for young women.
Garden work, at Susie’s House. (Photo/Kathie Motes Bennewitz)
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Summer is here!
A full moon and warm weather brought the grill and picnic crowd to Compo’s South Beach last night.
“John and Jen,” the musical co-written by Staples High School graduate and longtime Westporter Tom Greenwald over 30 years ago, is running now through June 7 at the Berkshire Theater Festival in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
And finally … the DOT’s survey (story above) got us thinking about how many ways we roll on the river.
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Longtime area resident Regi Kendig died earlier this month. She was 79.
Yet out of her family’s grief comes a remarkable story. Her daughter-in-law Elizabeth Kendig writes:
My husband Ty and I moved in with Reg not long after she started chemo — and never left.
Since her passing we’ve decided to move back to Connecticut, a place that’s felt like home since I first stepped off the train a decade ago and got the insider tour from — who better? — local real estate agent legend/future mother-in-law of my dreams, Regi Kendig.
We also yearn to be closer to family, especially my sister-in-law Paige, whose partner Bryan died from glioblastoma just 10 days after Reg.
Coming back here was never in the cards for us. Like so many “kids” (we’re now in our late 40s) we were raised by parents who encouraged us to find our own place in the world.
But in the weeks we cared for Reg, surrounded by a revolving door of her local friends and family, it became abundantly clear that we had found our people.
After living in Marin County, I feel qualified to say that no matter how objectively beautiful a place is, it’s the community that makes it a home.
Ty and Elizabeth Kendig
Our new community showed up big time last week.
We were driving home on Weston Road in the rain after a few Mets innings at the Duck, and noticed a car pulled over with its hazards on. A giant snapping turtle was in the road, and the driver was trying to shuffle him to safety.
We stopped to see if he needed help, and learned the turtle was the victim of a hit and run. He had flipped over in the collision.
While the driver (Weston resident, first name Leo) had gotten him upright, the turtle’s shell was cracked and bleeding. He wasn’t budging.
We all stood there scratching our heads when another driver, pristinely dressed, stopped and knew who to call: VEG ER for Pets in Cos Cob, where he had once brought an injured bunny.
Would they take a turtle? Yes!
How we would get him in the car was another story.
Enter an oversized pickup truck passing by. The driver put his siren on. and pulled over.
This tall, highly capable looking bearded man miraculously had leather gloves, a small shovel and what looked like a mesh firewood carrier in his truck. We laid it on the ground, nudged the turtle in, and lifted him into our trunk.
Before Ty and I headed to VEG, everyone exchanged numbers so we could keep them updated on the patient.
Our new friend in fine linens? Andrew Leary, the founder of Look Optic (who only mentioned his company because I was squinting at my phone, in visible need of readers).
The hero in the truck? FBI special agent and local SWAT team leader Bullets (actual given name).
Leo lives down the street from Reg. I trust the Universe will put us in each other’s path again.
Ty and I raced off to Cos Cob, lulling our anxious passenger with the Grateful Dead.
We pulled into VEG after dark. Two employees came outside. While I couldn’t tell you their titles, Jenny from the Bronx didn’t bat an eye as she reached under the turtle’s tail to its under-shell, lifted him out in one fell swoop, and marched him inside without so much as a wiggle or snap.
The VEG crew assessed the damaged shell. They were optimistic that with its organs intact and head unscathed, the turtle would make a full recovery.
VEG couldn’t legally contact us with an official update. But I have it on good authority that our turtle friend is safe, and in good hands.
After decades of gardening, Michelle Reiner still can’t believe that a tiny speck of a seed can grow into a stunning flower.
Meanwhile, neighbors can’t believe that she spends 12 to 16 hours a day planting, tending and harvesting a 1-acre garden she saved from a developer — and that she offers everything she grows to anyone, at any time.
On the honor system.
Michelle Reiner takes a break from digging dahlias.
Reimer’s route to her garden — called Lucky 13 — was indirect. She grew up in a Philadelphia rowhouse, and worked first in the stock market. Thirty years ago, she moved to Westport.
She was a volunteer firefighter for 12 years. After injuring her back (not on the job), she pivoted to nursing school. Reimer spent 14 years in the Bridgeport Hospital emergency room.
After COVID, she needed a change. She and her husband Hamilton spotted Butternut Farm at 1120 Hulls Highway in Southport, just over the Westport line. It had been a flower farm, and was being eyed for a residential development.
Part of the Lucky 13 property.
Thirteen had always been Michelle’s lucky number — the one she wore playing hockey, and at the firehouse. The Reimers bid $13,000 over the asking price. They got the property, and named it Lucky 13.
Reimer began her “labor of love.” Roses, peonies, pussy willows, lilacs, hydrangea, shrubs … you name it, it’s there.
She’s stayed away from fruits and vegetables (except raspberries, around the cottage).
The other day, she was planting 1,600 dahlias. When they bloom in July, she says, “it will be spectacular. The whole field will be filled with color.”
People can “pop in, look around, appreciate.” And buy.
Reimer places flowers in a barn and shed, next to a barn. There’s a box nearby, with a price list. Buyers pay with cash or Venmo.
Tulips for sale.
Bouquets are $35 to $40. Jars of flowers range from $5 to $15. Sometimes she puts out “imperfect blooms” for $1. “Everyone can find something,” Reimer says.
In an era of security cameras and suspicion, her low-tech honor system is a refreshing throwback.
And it works.
“People can come get flowers at 2 a.m.,” she says. “There are no issues. People are pretty honest.
“It’s kind of nostalgic to trust people. Some of them leave notes. They say, ‘It’s nice in this day and age to have this.’
“If someone needs to steal,” she adds, “I figure they need it more than I do.”
Michelle Reiner has a green (and red, pinkk and yellow) thumb.
How did this former Wall Streeter/firefighter from Philadelphia learn to garden?
The Westport Library. She spends “days and days” there, poring over books. (YouTube videos help too).
Plus, she says, “common sense. A lot of this is trial and error. I learn as I go.”
And boy, does she go. Last year, between the end of March and the beginning of November, Reiner planted 10,000 seeds.
“It’s a ton of work,” she admits. “But it’s worth it. It’s crazy beautiful. And it’s fun.”
Beautiful and worth it, for sure.
Reiner feels part of the neighborhood. The neighbors appreciate all that she does for them.
13 is their lucky number too.
(You can follow Michelle Reiner on Instagram: @lucky13farmCT. Hat tip: Shari Kaufman)
(“06880” regularly covers the environment, interesting residents, local businesses — and, like to day, their intersection. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
But 1) the honor might be outdated, and 2) not many people ever notice the sign. (Click here to see.)
Morley Boyd, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Robert Mitchell and Sal Liccione were the 4 who did, when we posted last week’s “Photo Challenge.”
And no one offered up a back story about it.
So it’s on to this week’s puzzler.
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
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A video recording of Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting, concerning an upcoming review of special education, is now available online. Click here to see.
Wakeman Town Farm celebrated Drinking With Chickens Day Thursday night, with — appropriately — a chance for guests to meet, greet, and cuddle with some of them.
Food and drinks were served. Fortunately, chicken was not on the menu.
WTF staff and volunteers were in a great mood. The night before, the Board of Finance approved $200,000 to help replace a dilapidated barn. Wakeman Town Farm raised an additional $400,000 for the effort.
Wakeman Town Farm educator Chryse Terrill (holding a chicken, and wearing a chicken dress) and WTF supporter Alison Milwe Grace, at Thursday’s “Drinking With Chickens” event.
On Thursday night, the lights went out at New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater. The final taping of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was bathed in history — including an appearance by Paul McCartney, 62 years after the Beatles first appeared on the same stage.
Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan once appeared there too.
Some years ago, he auditioned for, and was chosen to do, comedy sketches on “Late Night with David Letterman.” Here’s one:
Today, Mark says, “I remember standing on the stage thinking: This is where The Beatles played!”
Sadly, Colbert did not mention Shanahan’s connection to the iconic stage.
On June 12 (Senior Center, 6 p.m.), Westport hosts a stop on their Special Fathers Network US tour.
Hosted by the Westport Commission on People with Disabilities, the free event allows fathers, mothers, caregivers and neighbors to come together, share experiences, and learn about local and national resources. Attendees will also receive a complimentary book.
“Out of Exile: The Photography of Fred Stein” — an award-winning documentary tracing the life and work of Fred Stein, including how his images survived as the Nazi threat forced him into exile — is set for the Westport Library on June 10 (6:30 p.m.).
The film also tells the story of Stein’s son Peter, who brought his father’s work back from obscurity after his death.
Following the screening, director Peter Stein will participate in a talkback.
Westonite Chris Fuller’s “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” — a moving and hilarious 2-person cabaret-style show — comes to the Westport Woman’s Club on June 12 (5:30 p.m. reception, 6:30 show; talkback immediately after, with mental health experts).
The production follows Chris as he chases his lifelong dream of playing on the PGA Tour while navigating the challenges of bipolar disorder, and the nonstop commentary inside his own head.
The “thread” that textiles weave through America comes alive at the Weston History & Cultural Center on June 6 (2 p.m.).
Margaret Liljedahl presents over 300 years of weaving arts, including its pivotal role in American homes, and significance in our early economy. Click here for tickets, and more information.
History also comes alive there on Sundays, from now through August. From 1 to 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, immersive exhibits, guided tours and outdoor sculpture walks. Click here for details.
Margaret Liljedahl weaves at the Weston History & Culture Center.
In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, Jonathan Alloy offers “the 4 types of classical column capitals, from ancient Greece to Westport: Ionic, Doric, Corinthian and House Finch.”
Westport has a new property tax rate: 13.2 mills ($13.2 per $1,000 of assessed value). The Board of Finance set that figure at its Wednesday meeting.
The current rate (for fiscal year 2025-2026) is 18.86 mills. However, many homeowners will see their property tax rise, following last year’s revaluation.
Tax bills will be sent in early July. To figure out your new rate, click here. Find your property; multiply the total assessment (minus the last 3 numbers) by 13.2.
Alma Sarelli’s candidacy for the 26th State Senate District is official.
The Republican Party nominated the Westport Representative Town Meeting member this week. She’ll face Democrat Sam Nestor — Weston’s 1st selectwoman — in the race to succeed retiring Senator Ceci Maher.
Sarelli owns a production company. She is involved in several local organizations, including Neighbors and Newcomers, and TEDx Westport.
Alma Sarelli
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Speaking of politics: It was 1st selectpersons’ day yesterday, at the Y’s Men’s meeting.
Westport’s Kevin Christie and Weston’s Sam Nestor were interviewed by a panel, then took audience questions.
Topics included the Westport mill rate (story above), Nestor’s run for State Senate, Saugatuck development, affordable housing including for teachers and young people), seniors aging in place, and Saugatuck River dredging.
Wheels2U is extending its “10 rides for the price of 9” promotion through December 31. The cost is $18 — a savings of $2.
Riders now have 8 more months to snag the discount. There is no time limit for using the rides.
Wheels2U provides on-demand service to and from anywhere in Westport, and the Saugatuck and Greens Farms train stations, Senior Center, Jesup Green, Farmers’ Market, and the shopping centers at Post Road East and Compo Road.
The Staples Tuition Grants Kids Fun Run is always a great time.
It’s also a chance to support an organization that each year helps over 100 students attend college.
This year’s Kids Fun Run is Saturday, May 30 (8:45 a.m., Loeffler Field at Staples High). In addition to the run, there’s a bounce house, face painting, snacks, awards and more.
Organizers Will Briggs and Ryan Krenzer, and other Stapleites, will help run the event. All youngsters in grades pre-K through 5th grade are welcome. Click here to register.
A few tickets are left for Cocktails & Clams. The tasty benefit for Harbor Watch — the Earthplace division that protects local waterways through water quality monitoring and research is set for June 6 (5 p.m., Copps Island Oyster, Norwalk).
This year’s event celebrates 2 milestones: the 15th anniversary of Cocktails & Clams, and the 40th for Harbor Watch.
All proceeds support Harbor Watch’s testing lab, to improve efficiency, expand monitoring capacity, and provide more hands-on training for student interns.
As always, the fundraiser includes an unlimited, super-fresh raw bar, hors d’oeuvres, open bar live band and silent auction, all with beautiful views of Long Island Sound. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Longtime Westport resident Mary McCarthy died Tuesday. She was 93.
Though born in New York City, Mary spent her formative years in County Limerick, Ireland, where she moved with her mother and brothers. Her childhood there shaped the woman she became: deeply rooted in her Irish heritage, her faith, and her love of family.
After World War II, Mary returned to New York City with her family. She graduated from Cathedral High School, and went on to work for the telephone company. At a St. Patrick’s Day dance she met her future husband of 61 years, Tom McCarthy.
After living in Manhattan and Montclair, New Jersey, they moved to Westport. Over more than 50 years Mary created a place of warmth, laughter and open doors, where 7 children and all their friends always felt welcome.
Her annual St. Patrick’s Day party — complete with homemade Irish soda bread and Irish coffee — was a cherished tradition for family, friends and neighbors.
In the years that followed, Mary and Tom lived in London, making a home away from home for family and friends. She and Tom traveled extensively across Europe and Asia.
Mary volunteered for many years at the Gillespie Center, where she and Tom served dinner monthly for many years. Recently, she found joy and purpose in attending protest rallies at Jesup Green and on the bridge in downtown Westport.
Tom died in 2021. She was also predeceased by her brothers Patrick, Neasy and John, and her dearest friend and cousin, Ann Ahern.
Mary is survived by her children Christine, Tommy, John ( Susan), Maggie, Michael (Stacy), Paul (Ann), and Stacey; grandchildren Kathleen, Thomas and James Casey, and Crissy, Patrick, Siobhan, Sean, Jack and Danny McCarthy, and nieces and nephews John Carroll, Madeleine Richmond, Sarah Richmond, Liam Richmond, Dorothy Carroll and Rob Nelson.
The family will receive visitors at Harding Funeral Home today (Friday, 4 to 7 p.m.). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated tomorrow (Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m). Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to Nourish Bridgeport.
Mary McCarthy
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Egrets are regularly featured in our “Westport … Naturally” series. (Sometimes we misidentify them as cranes.)
But usually they’re solo, or in pairs.
Today’s image shows a school of egrets. That may not be the official term (like a “parliament of owls”).
But the young ‘uns sure look like they’re learning what it takes to survive in the rough waters of Burritts Landing.
And finally …. on this date in 1807, a grand jury indicted former Vice President Aaron Burr on a charge of treason.
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While most residents celebrated Mother’s Day, neighbors in the Bayberry area visited 24 Meeker Road to say goodbye to a very special cat.
Though a common Tuxedo, nothing was common about him, as I learned in the 3-plus years he graced our home before passing away at age 15.
During that time, he gained such popularity that he was called “Dallas the Dazzling Ambassador.”
Dallas … (Photo/Larry Silver)
Dallas lived on Bayberry Lane most of his life. One day he showed up at our house, and made himself at home.
His owner Lisa tracked him here with an AirTag. Because he seemed to like here it so much, she asked if we’d like to adopt him.
I’d already fallen in love with him. I said, “Absolutely, yes!,” promising she could visit anytime.
We soon discovered the amazing life and world of Dallas. I’ve had dozens of cats in my life, but Dallas was unique. He made it his life’s work to visit our neighbors, and get to know them all.
… on Florian Court …
This kind of cat rarely happens anymore. People keep their pets at home, fearing loss, injury or worse.
Since I’d adopted him fully grown into his ways, I didn’t think it fair to keep him inside. Taking a leap of faith, I let him out every morning trusting he’d come back. He always did.
Dallas was too smart and savvy to get hurt by an animal or car. He was the most intelligent cat I’ve ever known. He learned the neighborhood completely. He made his rounds every day to visit, and get treats on his trail.
I also followed him on his AirTag. Often, he’d visit his former owner a mile down Bayberry. Lisa would text, “Dallas is here…want me to keep him for the night?” I’d say “Sure, send him home in the morning.”
And he’d come, visiting his many friends along the way. Over time I gathered more and more neighbor’s texts.
Last Christmas I made marmalade for Dallas’s friends. We left them in mailboxes — 21 neighbors, one as far as 1.8 miles away.
Their texts read: “Hi, Dallas is here on our lawn … in my garage … at our front door … I fed him tuna … My daughter loves your cat … Dallas slept in my living room all day, should I tell him to go home? … here’s a pic of Dallas on my front steps with the grand kids … his favorite food is lox with milk.”
… and in a home on Berkeley Road …
Everyone felt like he was their cat. One man expected him every morning on his back porch at coffee time. Others saw him at the bus stop on Meeker Road by the stonewall, watching parents collect their kids.
This spring I noticed that Dallas’s behavior was “off.” Sadly, the vet found tumors. “There’s nothing we can do,” I texted everyone.
I was not prepared for the outpouring of love and prayers. In his last days — even on Mother’s Day — families came to visit. They shared stories, and gave comfort.
How could one common cat touch so many people?
Dallas did, touching the hearts of an entire neighborhood. I have gained friendships because of him.
That’s the gift this amazing cat with a big heart brought to us. He lived larger than life, and we were the lucky beneficiaries.
Rest in peace dear Dallas. We’ll never forget you.
… and in a typical pose.
==========================================
Gary: “His spirit will dance in the gardens of Westport.”
Larry: “He was more than a great cat — more like a person than a cat, very sweet and lovable. We will all miss him.”
Christine: “We would like to bring our cat Spotty to visit Dallas this afternoon”
Jane and Brian: “We were so glad to meet Dallas in our yard… such a special cat”
Stephanie: “Thank you for letting us spend time with him… he is loved by many.”
Lourdes: “So sorry to hear about our friend Dallas!”
Pam, Ainsley: “thank you for sharing him with all of us.”
Monica: “ He can truly say he accomplished his life mission!”
Lisa: “What a legacy he leaves, a free spirit in the truest sense. No cat lived a better life. Chipmunks may rest easier, but the rest of us will miss him always. Cheers to a life well lived!”
8 Bayberry Ridge: “What a wonderful cat. We’ll miss him discovering the gardens.”
Nikki: “Everybody loved him. It was easy to do.”
Namhee: “Black-whiskered, eating where he wished, napping where he pleased, providing that a free life is simply one lived on your own terms.”
Darlene: “Sleep beneath the stars, little wanderer.”
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